Universal soars with new spectacular
We start the week with reviews of Universal Orlando's new summer offerings, including a sensational new lagoon show.
Universal Orlando soars to new heights with CineSational: There is a new king of nighttime spectaculars. And it's music to a theme park fan's ears. [With video]
It's time to play in Universal Orlando's new DreamWorks Land: This rethemed land delivers not just several active play areas, but also abundant character meets, a couple of shows, and one rethemed roller coaster that's designed for the kids. [With multiple videos]
Universal Orlando invites fans to celebrate Hogwarts Always: Muggles visiting the original The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this summer can enjoy a new nighttime projection show on Hogwarts Castle. [With video]
Hot take debate: Should theme parks build kiddie lands?
Theme Park Insider Awards
With all the openings at theme parks around the world in the past month, it's time to open our voting for Best New Attraction of 2024.
To be awarded with the Theme Park Insider Awards on January 1, 2025, the Best New Attraction award will honor Theme Park Insider readers' collective pick for the best new ride, show or experience of the year. Voting is open to all registered readers of Theme Park Insider and you must be logged in to vote.
I am opening the voting now, but you can continue to change your top 10 nominations up until December 15, when voting will close and I will tally the results. If it's close at the top, there will be a run-off vote on Theme Park Insider's front page at the end of December. But if it's a runaway, as this category often has been in the past, a run-off will not be necessary to declare the winner.
You can find our reviews and on-ride or full-show videos of top contenders for this year's award on our New Theme Park Attractions in 2024 page. Please rank up to 10 of these attractions on your list, with your top pick at number one.
Here is the link to vote: https://www.themeparkinsider.com/vote/best-new-attraction/
In addition the Best New Attraction award, you can vote right now on these other Theme Park Insider Award categories:
Meanwhile, in Hollywood
Hollywood gets its second Halloween Horror Nights reveal: We now have our first original concept house reveal for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Second-day-free ticket offer now available at Universal in Hollywood
More theme park news
Cedar Fair, Six Flags set merger close date: The two companies will combine operations and begin operating as one starting July 1, the companies announced this week. It still remains unclear whether the Department of Justice has given its approval for the merger to proceed or, if so, under what conditions.
Happy 90th birthday to Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant: Ninety years ago this month, a family business in Southern California took its first step toward creating a trend-setting, world-famous theme park - which is today the most popular in the soon-to-be-combined Six Flags chain.
Who's afraid of this new big stone wolf ride? Gardaland has opened its new drop tower ride. Wolf Legend is a 82-foot Drop & Twist Tower, themed to a curse that turned a giant wolf to stone.
Holiday World wants your help with its 2024 drone show: Okay, maybe you have seen a drone show at your favorite theme park this summer. But have you gotten to help direct one? Probably not. Soon, you will have that chance - but only if you visit Holiday World & Splashing Safari.
Netflix plans two new 'Netflix House' attractions: The streamer long has licensed its properties for real-world attractions, such as the Stranger Things houses at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights. But now the company has announced two self-branded experiential entertainment venues, to open next year.
Thank you for reading, and sharing
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Best wishes for another wonderful week,
Robert Niles